Curating playlists that evoke emotions and wellbeing, Dorset Mind’s Usifo Cyril Omozokpea finds music to be a powerful mental health tool
With music as a constant presence at home and on family road trips, I grew up with a deep love for music of all types from different parts of the world. Little did I know then that music would become a cornerstone of both my life and my healing journey.
As an adult, I am never without my headphones, because listening to music has always helped me create a mental safe space. After going through a period of grief, I worked at a radio station, and I started to discover that different kinds of songs had different emotional effects on me. Some were so calming and grounding that I began to feel they were written and performed just for me – even if I didn’t know who made that music.
My playlists
With the invention of music streaming apps, humans have more access to music than we have ever done before, and the ability to sort this large spectrum of music into personalised playlists is just pure joy.
I set aside time each week to listen to new songs, sorting the ones I like into different playlists depending on what kind of emotion they trigger. These playlists have become my emotional companions. Each song and each playlist creates a safe space for my mental and emotional wellbeing and has a big therapeutic effect on me.
Engaging with music
Music has the power to capture memories like a time capsule. I always look out for memories I can treasure and associate them to music, so that on days when I feel down, I can recall a good memory just by listening to the right music. Actively and intentionally listening to music can transport you: it can transform uncomfortable feelings, and it can help make an environment feel like a safe space as it helps to block out the distractions and creates a calming space for you to be yourself within the words of the song or the sound of the instrumentation playing in your ears. A music background gives the feeling of being in a secure place, where positive change is possible.
Moving with the music
Movement is great for our mental wellbeing and music is a great driver of movement! When you listen to music sitting down, you unconsciously begin to move your head or your feet or simply tap your fingers on the nearest surface – music inspires motion.
Some people dance to music, others run, and some of us just walk. I love to walk with headphones on, listening to one of my playlists – the result is always clarity and well being, while unconsciously clocking up 5,000 steps or more! Every time I walk with music, the places I go feel new, like I am there for the first time. It’s a new day and new and exciting things are possible – I discard fear and worry.
Music is special to human beings, whether you listen to it or make it, it has a big influence on our emotional and mental wellbeing.
So go and create your own playlists, dance in your kitchen, play an instrument, join a choir, try music therapy – they are all things you can do that use music to benefit your wellbeing.
Support for you:
First steps towards support should be to speak to someone – a trusted friend, family member, professional or your GP
Visit Dorset Mind for local mental health support and helpful advice
The Samaritans are there to listen 24/7, call them free on 116 123
Call Dorset’s mental health helpline Connection for support on 0800 652 0190
